Courtesy of Klout
For months we've been hearing about Klout's big new funding round. Klout gives users social influence scores based on their online activity. It was founded in 2008 by Joe Fernandez and Binh Tran.

One source tells us that while the Series C deal closed in September, Klout's funding announcement will be made this month. The site is actually down right now, another sign that it's prepping for something big (update: now it's back).

We've spoken with a few people close to the company. Here's what they say will likely be announced:

Other firms involved in the Series C round include new investors Venrock and IVP. Previous investors ff Venture Capital and Betterworks founder Paige Craig are also involved.

The round is a little controversial. Klout's revenue is scarce although a business model is starting to take shape with the "Klout perks" feature. Scores have been called phony, especially because Robert Scoble ranks higher than president Obama.

But investors say Klout is creating a big social media advertising opportunity and they think Klout scores could become the online version of credit scores. The founders remain confident too.

"I knew that [Klout] was a powerful thing that was going to exist in the world somehow, and if I wasn't the one who did it, I would hate myself," cofounder Joe Fernandez said in a recent interview. "I've had these ruthless blog posts written about the company and referencing me, and I'll just go in the comments and say, 'Hey, I'm Joe from Klout. Thanks for checking out what we're doing. We appreciate your feedback.'"

As much as people complain about Klout, it is an addictive product. It's hard not to care about your score or wonder why your colleague's is five points higher than yours (damn you, Steve Kovach).